The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee presented the award at a luncheon at the Music City Center, noting Rechter "exemplifies Guess’s spirit of leadership and commitment to equal opportunity," according to a prepared news release.

Rechter is president of Rogers Group Investments Inc., a board of directors member for the National Museum of African American Music, an emeritus board member of Nashville Public Television and a trustee with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

He has demonstrated leadership in a number of local organizations, from Fisk University to the Metro Development and Housing Agency to the Leonard Bernstein Center for Education Through the Arts.

Francis S. Guess, who died last year, was a local civil rights champion and trailblazer in Nashville's business industry. He was appointed to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission by President Ronald Reagan and served 30 years on the Tennessee Commission on Human Rights.

Rechter is the first to receive this newly created award, which will be given annually to individuals who create equal opportunities for all persons.